Principals Appointed at 10 Elementary Schools in Archdiocese

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Principals have been appointed at 10 Catholic elementary schools for the 2014-2015 academic year, Dr. Timothy McNiff, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, announced June 24.

In Manhattan, Christian Mariano, has been appointed principal at Corpus Christi School, and Hope Mueller has been named principal of St. Ann’s School. Mariano previously served as director of special projects for St. Brigid’s School in Manhattan and assistant principal of St. Francis of Assisi in the Bronx. Ms. Mueller previously served as the assistant principal at St. Ann’s School.

In the Northwest/South Bronx region, Frances Acosta has been appointed principal at St. Angela Merici School. With more than 23 years in teaching, administration and management of school activities, she has a successful track record in obtaining foundation grants for improvements for the school. She previously served as director of the Stella Mundi Afterschool Academy in the Bronx.

On Staten Island, Joseph Cocozello has been appointed principal of Blessed Sacrament School; Nicole Fresca has been appointed the new principal of St. Rita’s School; and Sister Lisa Palazio, S.S.D., is the new principal at the Academy of St. Dorothy. Cocozello has served 32 years in the educational field and was previously a math teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta School. Ms. Fresca previously served as the principal at Our Lady Help of Christians School. Sister Lisa, who hails from Rhode Island, come to the Archdiocese of New York with a background in guidance, experience in recruiting and admissions procedures, and as a former middle and high school teacher.

In the Northern Westchester/Putnam region, Sharon O’Leary has been appointed principal at St. Patrick’s School in Bedford. She most recently served as the school’s interim principal, and is the former principal at Our Lady of Fatima School in Scarsdale.

In the Ulster/Sullivan/Orange region, Patricia Walsh was appointed principal at Most Precious Blood School in Walden in January. She previously was a principal for the past seven years in the Marlboro school district.

In the Central Westchester region, Fatima Gianni has been appointed principal at SS. John and Paul School in Larchmont, and Dr. Judith Johnston has been appointed principal at Sacred Heart School in Yonkers. Ms. Gianni has experience as both a principal and in the business community, and has served as an educational consultant. Ms. Gianni recently completed her tenure as director of the Nazareth Nursery Montessori School. Dr. Johnston formerly served as the principal of Good Counsel Elementary School. She holds a doctorate degree in psychology.